Category Archives: Weekly Prayer List

America’s Weekly Prayer List (xii)

Posted by joshuajmasters on

In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

Prayer Points for the Week of July 01 – July 07, 2012:

  • The week of Independence Day is a great time to start praying for the country. If you’ve not already done so, visit The First Prayer page on this blog and make a commitment to pray for our nation on a regular basis.
  • Praise God for our independence this week! We too easily take our freedom for granted and should be reminded that our liberties come at a price. Remember to pray for the families of our fallen soldiers this Independence Day.
  • Devastating storms have left more than a dozen people dead on the east coast and millions without power or air conditioning in the sweltering heat. Pray for the families who have lost loved ones, the workers trying to restore power and those who are still in danger, particularly the elderly and young children.
  • Nearly 350 homes were destroyed in the Colorado wildfires last week. Pray for the families who have lost their homes and so much more.
  • Pray for a revitalization of faith in America. May we not be complacent in our lives, but be Christians of compassion-based action.
  • As always, remember to pray for our president and his family (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even if you disagree with his policies, you are called to pray for him without bias. A sample prayer for the President is available here.
For additional inspiration, visit our Prayers for America page or our weekly devotional book, American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot.
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Praying Patriot Tip:
Independence Day is about remembering the cost of freedom and the courage it takes to stand against the rule of oppression. The further our freedom takes us from that oppression, though, the more difficult it becomes to remember the price that someone else paid for our liberties. That’s true for us as American Patriots, but also as Christians. As we pray this week, let’s try to reconnect to the heart of gratitude we so often neglect. Let us remember the cost of national liberty and eternal freedom in our prayers.
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Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta:

Secretary Leon PanettaName: Leon E. Panetta
Birthdate: June 28, 1938
Position: Secretary of Defense
Duties Include: Authority over the Department of Defense, serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet and the National Security Council, Advising the President and developing national defense policy.
Spouse: Sylvia Panetta
Children: Secretary Panetta has three sons and six grandchildren.

You can learn more about Secretary Panetta and his duties by visiting the Department of Defense website. Remember to pray for the secretary and his family throughout this week.

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Fireworks Photo Credit:  U.S. Army Flickr Stream

America’s Weekly Prayer List (xi)

Posted by joshuajmasters on

In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

Prayer Points for the Week of June 10 – June 16, 2012:

  • If you’ve not already done so, visit The First Prayer page on this blog and make a commitment to pray for our nation on a regular basis.
  • U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson was found unconscious behind the wheel of his car after hitting two vehicles on Sunday. The incident seems to have been precipitated by a medical condition. Because of this incident, Secretary Bryson is our featured authority for prayer this week; please see his information below and pray for him throughout the week.
  • Pray for the diplomats and military leaders of our nation dealing with atrocities in Syria. Western diplomats are now being forced to leave Damascus.
  • More than 20,000 acres have been destroyed by a fierce wild fire in Colorado. As of Monday morning, 18 structures have been destroyed with hundreds of homes in jeopardy. Pray for the safety of the fire fighters and National Guard members fighting the blaze.  Pray also for the families who are in danger.
  •  Continue to pray for the wisdom and discernment of our anti-terrorist agents after it was revealed that the United States was involved in a cyber attack against Iran’s nuclear weapons program; pray for the safety of our facilities. There is no doubt Iran and its allies will attempt counter attacks.. Regardless of your political persuasion, let us give thanks that their nuclear program was stunted without the loss of American or Iranian lives.
  • Attorney General Eric Holder has assigned investigators to uncover the source of National Security leaks in the administration. It is vital for the safety of our troops and agents that the leak is stopped. Pray that political agendas do not interfere with the safety of our nation.
  • Pray for a revitalization of faith in America. May we not be complacent in our lives, but be Christians of compassion-based action.
  • As always, remember to pray for our president and his family (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even if you disagree with his policies, you are called to pray for him without bias. A sample prayer for the President is available here.
For additional inspiration, visit our Prayers for America page.
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Praying Patriot Tip:
As the election season ramps up, be careful to protect your heart from becoming hardened toward one candidate or the other. Scripture tells us to be respectful of those in authority and both Mitt Romney and the President have a national platform right now. Try praying for both men without bias. You can certainly have your political opinions; it is your responsibility to bring those beliefs into the voting booth, but it’s best to keep them out of the prayer closet.
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Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson:

Name: John Bryson
Birthdate: July 24, 1943
Position: Secretary of Commerce
Duties Include: Serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, has authority over the Department of Commerce, Charged with the creation of jobs and economy growth, Advises the President on matters of the economy.
Spouse: Louise
Children: Secretary Bryson and his wife have four daughters.

You can learn more about Secretary Bryson and his duties by visiting the Department of Commerce website. Remember to pray for the secretary and his family throughout this week.

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Praying Hands Photo Credit: Jasper Noer

America’s Weekly Prayer List (x)

Posted by joshuajmasters on

In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

Prayer Points for the Week of June 03 – June 09, 2012:

  • If you’ve not already done so, visit The First Prayer page on this blog and make a commitment to pray for our nation on a regular basis.
  • As world tensions continue to rise over atrocities in Syria, pray for the diplomats and military leaders of our nation.
  • Praise God for the agreement made between The US and Vietnamese governments this week. Vietnam will open three sites in their country for the United States to search for the remains of American soldiers missing in action since the war. Pray this expedition will bring closure and peace to the families of our fallen soldiers.
  • The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth’s reign is a perfect time to pray for relations between America and England. We should never take such relationships for granted.
  • After it was revealed that the United States was involved in a cyber attack against Iran’s nuclear weapons program, pray for the safety of our facilities. There is no doubt Iran and its allies will attempt counter attacks. Pray for the wisdom and discernment of our anti-terrorist agents. Regardless of your political persuasion, let us give thanks that their nuclear program was stunted without the loss of American or Iranian lives.
  • Pray for a revitalization of faith in America. May we not be complacent in our lives, but be Christians of compassion-based action.
  • As always, remember to pray for our president and his family (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even if you disagree with his policies, you are called to pray for him without bias. A sample prayer for the President is available here.
For additional inspiration, visit our Prayers for America page.
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Praying Patriot Tip:
We sometimes feel our prayers for America must share the eloquence of our forefathers or a Shakespearean sonnet, but God is more concerned with the sincerity of your heart than the eloquence of your words. God uses our inabilities as the vessel of His greatness because it makes clear that it is through His power that we succeed. Do not stumble in your prayer life because you fear a lack of eloquence. Come before the Lord with simple direct prayers for our nations and your words will be accepted as a child of God.
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Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta:

Secretary Leon PanettaName: Leon E. Panetta
Birthdate: June 28, 1938
Position: Secretary of Defense
Duties Include: Authority over the Department of Defense, serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet and the National Security Council, Advising the President and developing national defense policy.
Spouse: Sylvia Panetta
Children: Secretary Panetta has three sons and six grandchildren.

You can learn more about Secretary Panetta and his duties by visiting the Department of Defense website. Remember to pray for the secretary and his family throughout this week.

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Praying Hands Photo Credit: Jasper Noer

America’s Weekly Prayer List (Memorial Day)

Posted by joshuajmasters on

In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.


Praying Patriot Tip:
This week we remember the fallen soldiers who have given their lives to protect our freedom. It’s a thought that becomes lost in the hurry-up culture we’ve created with that freedom, but we can do better than that. As we spend this week in prayer for our military leaders, troops, and the families of those who’ve lost loved ones, let’s do more than simply speak the words—let’s allow ourselves to share their suffering. Let’s spend time in the Word and recognize that neither freedom nor liberty come without a price being paid. Christ paid for our eternal freedom, and our soldier and their families have paid the price for our liberties. May the Holy Spirit impress this truth upon me daily. May we, as a people, never forget the sacrifices made by our God and our soldiers so we might be given the grace of freedom.

Prayer Points for the Week of May 27-June 2, 2012:
Our Prayer Points list is slightly different this week. Rather than being focused on current events, they focus on the men and women who protect us. Please join us in praying for our military:

  • Memorial Day is the perfect time for you to commit to praying for the nation on a regular basis. If you’re not sure how to get started, visit The First Prayer page on this blog.
  • Remember to pray for the Commander in Chief. The lives of many troops are in his hand on a daily basis, which means we should pray for him daily. A sample prayer for the President is available here.
  • Throughout this week, pray for our soldiers and their families. If you need inspiration, there is a Prayer for our Troops available here.
  • On this Memorial Day week, remember to pray for the families of those who have  given their lives for our freedom. Join us in a Prayer to Honor Fallen Heroes.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you can serve the families of those who are deployed or have given their lives. There are military families throughout our communities that deserve our support.
  • Ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities of honoring our veterans. May His mercy and compassion be reflected in our actions.
  • Remember to pray for our Military leaders. A partial list of men and women to pray for can be found in our Featured Authority section below.

Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

While we normally feature a single authority to pray for each week, but today American Psalms offers a list of our top military leaders. It is not a comprehensive list, but I encourage you to pray for those who hold the lives of our soldiers in their command:

Commander-in-Chief: President Barack Obama
Secretary of Defense: Leon Panetta
Deputy Secretary of Defense: Ashton Carter
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman: General Martin E. Dempsey
Army Chief of Staff: General Raymond T. Odierno
Marine Corps Commandant: General James F. Amos
Chief of Naval Operations:  Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert
Air Force Chief of Staff: General Norton A. Schwartz
Coast Guard Commandant: Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr.
Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan: General John R. Allen

Biographies for these and other Military Leaders can be found on the Department of Defense website. Remember to pray for our Military Leaders on a regular basis.

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
PhotoCredits:
Memorial Flags: Robert Linder

America’s Weekly Prayer List (VIII)

Posted by joshuajmasters on

In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

Prayer Points for the Week of May 13-May 19, 2012:

  • If you’ve not already done so, visit The First Prayer page on this blog and make a commitment to pray for our nation on a regular basis.
  • Praise God for the protection and wisdom God gave to our agents who uncovered and intercepted a new bomb system that was being developed by our enemies last week. Pray that God will continue to give our agents discernment and protection so they might save more lives.
  • The President honored 34 of America’s police officers in a White House ceremony on Saturday, thanking them for their ”quiet courage” and sacrifice. Remember to pray for your own local police force and for their families.
  • European elections and what CNN called “political chaos” in Greece continues to cast a shadow over the world’s economic future. It’s easy to become isolated in our thinking, but what happens over seas undoubtedly influences the stability of our own nation. Pray for our diplomats and our relationships with these countries.
  • As always, remember to pray for our president and his family (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even if you disagree with his policies, you are called to pray for him without bias. A sample prayer for the President is available here.
Praying Patriot Tip:
Try not to be political in your prayers for our leaders. Yes, you can pray for specific outcomes on policies in God’s will, but don’t forget that you’re praying for real people with families and struggles of their own. Pray for leaders in both political parties, and for God’s hand of protection to be on their households.

Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is Speaker of the House John Boehner:

Speaker of the House John Boehner

Speaker of the House John Boehner

Name: John A. Boehner
Birth Date: November 17, 1949
Position: Speaker of the House of Representatives
Duties Include: Presiding officer over the House of Representatives, second in the presidential line of succession after the Vice President, sets legislative agendas, and serves as the representative for the Eighth Congressional District of Ohio 
 Spouse: Debbie Boehner
Children:  Lindsay and Tricia.

You can learn more about Speaker Boehner and his duties by visiting the Speaker of the House website. Remember to pray for the Speaker and his family throughout this week.

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Praying Hands Photo Credit: Jasper Noer

America’s Weekly Prayer List (Week VII)

Posted by joshuajmasters on

In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

The Praying Patriot Tip:
One of the things that makes praying for our leaders so difficult is that we so often disagree with them. Okay… I’m being politically correct. Sometimes we don’t even like them. God tells us to pray for those in authority over us—not just for the ones we like or who serve in our own political party.

This week’s Praying Patriot tip is the easiest and probably the hardest. In addition to the Weekly Prayer List below, choose two political leaders who serve in a political party different than your own and pray for them. But be careful. Don’t pray for them to be more like you, pray that God to allow you to see them through His eyes instead of your own (I know… Ouch). Pray for them by name, pray for their safety and wisdom, but don’t pray to change their mind on any specific issue. This is an exercise in changing your heart, not theirs.

Prayer Points for the Week of May 6-May 12, 2012:

  • If you’ve not already done so, visit The First Prayer page on this blog and make a commitment to pray for our nation on a regular basis.
  • Over the weekend, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France was defeated by Socialist candidate Francois Hollande. As we await the results of other national elections in Europe, please remember Secretary Clinton, our embassies and American diplomats as the United States builds relationships with these new government officials.
  • In a phone call to Capitol Hill, Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng specifically asked for Secretary Clinton’s help getting out of China safely. This could have a serious impact on American-Chinese relations. Pray for the U.S. Embassy in Beijing that’s trying to work out a deal with the Chinese government to bring Guangcheng to New York.
  •  The Pentagon recently announced the deployment of several F22 jets (our most advanced Fighter Jets) to within 200 miles of Iran’s border. As the United States continues to seek diplomatic solutions to Iran’s nuclear program, please pray for the wisdom of Secretary Clinton, her staff and the other diplomats involved.
  • Regarding our relationships in the Middle East, within a week of each other, the President recently declared May 2012 as Jewish American Heritage Month, but also released a memo reversing the ban on sending funds to the Palestinian Authority. Pray for the wisdom of those executing this order and for our relationship with Israel.
  • As always, remember to pray for our president and his family (1 Timothy 2:1-3). A sample prayer for the President is available here.
Since this week’s prayer list is so heavily focused on foreign relations, our featured authority for prayer is Secretary of State Clinton for the week. Please see her information below, and pray for her throughout the week.

Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton:

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – Official Portrait

Name: Hillary Rodham Clinton
Birth-date: October 26, 1947
Position: Secretary of State
Duties Include: Conducting negotiations relating to U.S. foreign affairs, Negotiating, interpreting, and terminating treaties and agreements, Administering the Department of State, Ensuring the protection of the U.S. Government to American citizens, property, and interests in foreign countries.
Living Parents: Dorothy Rodham
Spouse: Former President Bill Clinton
Children: Chelsea Clinton

You can learn more about Secretary Clinton and her duties by visiting the State Department website. Remember to pray for the secretary and her family throughout this week.

________
Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Praying Hands Photo Credit: Jasper Noer

America’s Weekly Prayer List (National Day of Prayer Week)

Posted by joshuajmasters on

In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

The National Day of Prayer:
This Thursday is the National Day of Prayer. It’s important that we pray for our nation and its leaders on a daily basis, but the National Day of Prayer is of particular importance for several reasons. First, it is a day when the nation actually requests prayer—there will be a  proclamation from the President asking the American people to pray for the United States. Secondly, the National Day of Prayer is a day when American Christians can cry out to God in one voice. We see many examples in Scripture proving that a nation prospers when they, as a people, turn toward God. Let’s be sure we take time on Thursday to lift this nation up in prayer. Here’s a few tips if you need help getting started:

-Return to this blog throughout the week. I will be posting some quotes from our founding fathers to inspire your prayer time on Wednesday and an original prayer for the nation on Thursday. Will you join me in praying for the United States?
-Praying with other Christian Patriots will lift your spirits and allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen your faith in both God and our country. I encourage you to find a local National Day of Prayer event and join in. Visit TheNationalDayofPrayer.org to find a location near you.
-The fact that the President is asking us to pray is significant. Although I plan to post his proclamation on American Psalms upon its release, take time to visit the White House website and read President Obama’s official proclamation for the National Day of Prayer .

Prayer Points for the Week of April 29-May 5, 2012:

  • The National Day of Prayer is a great time for you to commit to praying for the nation on a regular basis. If you’re not sure how to get started, visit The First Prayer page on this blog.
  • This Wednesday marks one year since Osama Bin Laden was killed by American forces. Pray for the protection of America on this anniversary, and though we do not know their names, pray for the troops who were involved in the raid along with their families.
  • Last week the Pentagon announced the deployment of several F22 jets (our most advanced Fighter Jets) to within 200 miles of Iran’s border. As the United States continues to seek diplomatic solutions to Iran’s nuclear program, please pray for the wisdom of Secretary Clinton, her staff and the other diplomats involved.
  • During this National Day of Prayer, please pray for a reclaiming of active faith in America. If you need help getting started, check out A Prayer for America’s Faith.
  • Remember to pray for our president. Even if you don’t agree with him politically, we are called to pray for those who are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-3). A sample prayer for the President is available here.

Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is President Barack Obama:

President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama - Official Portrait, 2009.

Name: Barack Obama
Birth date: August 4, 1961
Position: President of the United Sates
Duties Include: Head of the Executive Branch in the United States, has the power to sign legislation into law or veto bills from Congress, Diplomacy and treaties with other nations.
Spouse: Michelle Obama
Children: Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.

You can learn more about the President and his duties by visiting the White House website. Remember to pray for President Obama and his family throughout this week. If you’re not sure how to get started, read A Prayer for the President by American Psalms.

________
Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Praying Hands Photo Credit: Jasper Noer

America’s Weekly Prayer List

Posted by joshuajmasters on

In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

Flag on BarnThe Praying Patriot Tip:
Sometimes it’s hard to know how to pray for the United States. It can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? Well, you’re clearly on the right track by coming to this site (a little self promotion never hurt). But aside from the posts at American Psalms, I suggest setting up Prayer Prompts in your mind.

Prayer Prompts are how I remind myself that praying for the nation doesn’t have to be flowery or eloquent; your prayers only need to be sincere. Prayer Prompts are visual reminders to say a quick prayer for our nation in addition to the Weekly Prayer Points on this site. Here are a few examples of Prompts, but I’d love to hear your ideas. Add your Prayer Prompts to the Comments at the end of this post:

-Pray for our troops when you see a military bumper sticker or special license plate.
-Pray for our nation when you see our flag in an unexpected place (like in the photo above)
-Read the newspaper or news-blogs and pray about current events.
-Pray for the President just before he’s about to give a speech (Even if it’s interrupting the Amazing Race).
-Pray for your Congressmen and Senators when you get a mailing or robo-call from them.

I’ll post more in future, but please send your ideas for Patriot Prayer Prompts by entering them below. Now let’s look at this week’s prayer list.

Prayer Points for the Week of April 22-28, 2012:

  • If you’ve not already done so, write out your Declaration of Prayer for America. If you’re not sure how to get started, visit The First Prayer page on this blog.
  • With 6 Secret Service men fired and 5 more under investigation for a prostitution sex scandal in Columbia, pray for Director Mark Sullivan. As the head of the Secret Service, he undoubtedly has some difficult weeks before him. Pray for his wisdom in dealing with the scandal, and the focus to protect our president and elected officials. Because of this importance safety issue, Mark Sullivan is this week’s featured authority. Please see his information below.
  • Pray for a reclaiming of active faith in America. That can seem overwhelming, so if you need an example read, A Prayer for America’s Faith.
  • Pray for the American diplomats dealing with the crisis in Syria. Last week the U.N. Security Council voted to raise the number of peace monitors from 30 to 300 in that country.  This is the last week Susan Rice will be representing America as the president of the U.N. Security Council (a responsibility that rotates among member nations). Pray the United States is well represented in the political world of foreign relations.
  • Remember to pray for our president. Even if you don’t agree with him politically, we are called to pray for those who are in authority. A sample prayer for the President is available here.

Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan:

Director Mark SullivanName: Mark Sullivan
Years of Service: 27
Position: Director of the Secret Service
Duties Include: Head of the Secret Service, Protection of the President and First Family, Protection of other elected officials, Protection of foreign officials, and criminal investigation.
Spouse: Laurie
Children: The Director has three children who will remain unnamed on this site.

You can learn more about the Dircetor and his duties by visiting the Secret Service website. Remember to pray Director Sullivan and his family throughout this week.

________
Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Flag on Barn Photo Credit: Robert Linder

America’s Weekly Prayer List

Posted by joshuajmasters on

In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

The Praying Patriot Tip:
One of the things that used to really bother me about politicians (and there are plenty of them) was when they would use the term, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims.”

Take, for example, the terrible tornadoes that ravaged the Midwest this weekend–this is the type of catastrophe when local and national politicians scramble to use that ever popular phrase. I confess that I had a very negative attitude every time I heard those words. I’d role my eyes and say, “Yeah… I’m sure they’re hitting their knees.” I think we create a defense mechanism when it comes to politicians–we assume they’re not telling the truth.

Then the Lord tapped me on the shoulder and pointed something out to me. First, I don’t know whether or not they’re actually praying, but more importantly, I wasn’t really listening to the phrase I was being so judgmental about. The elected officials always say, “OUR thoughts and prayers…” not, “MY thoughts and prayers”. These authorities are making a promise that we, as a nation, as a community, will pray. So the honesty of the politician’s statement is not based on what he’s doing, but what I do with his promise. We always say we want honest politicians–well here’s our chance to help them. The next time we hear a politician say, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” let’s stop whatever we’re doing and pray.

Prayer Points for the Week of April 15-21, 2012:

  • If you’ve not already done so, write out your Declaration of Prayer for America. If you’re not sure how to get started, visit “The First Prayer” posted on this blog.
  • With North Korea’s failed missile launch last week, we are reminded how dangerous a nation can become. Pray for Secretary of State Clinton and the American diplomats who are working to prevent expanded nuclear weapon acquisitions by North Korea and Iran.
  • There were more than 100 reports of tornadoes in five states over the weekend. Pray for the families who’ve lost their homes or need resources to repair the damage.
  • Pray for American Missionaries who are working to spread the Gospel both here and abroad.
  • Remember to pray for our president. Even if you don’t agree with him politically, we are called to pray for those who are in authority. President Obama is this week’s featured authority, but we should be praying for him daily.
  • Continue praying for Susan Rice who is representing America as the president of the U.N. Security Council for the month of April (a responsibility that rotates among member nations). Pray the United States is well represented in the political world of foreign relations.

Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is President Barack Obama:

President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama - Official Portrait, 2009.

Name: Barack Obama
Birth date: August 4, 1961
Position: President of the United Sates
Duties Include: Head of the Executive Branch in the United States, has the power to sign legislation into law or veto bills from Congress, Diplomacy and treaties with other nations.
Spouse: Michelle Obama
Children: Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.

You can learn more about the President and his duties by visiting the White House website. Remember to pray for President Obama and his family throughout this week. If you’re not sure how to get started, read A Prayer for the President by American Psalms.

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Praying Hands Photo Credit: Jasper Noer

America’s Weekly Prayer List

Posted by joshuajmasters on

In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

The Praying Patriot Tip:
We are called to pray for those in authority over us (1 Timothy 2:1-3), but is praying for the nation enough? I would suggest that God wants us to do more—he wants us to be engaged. Scripture tells us that the way we treat others is a direct reflection of how God feels we’re treating him:

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40)

Yes, we should pray for the nation, but one of those petitions should be for God to change our own hearts. We should be asking him to open our eyes to the needs of those around us; we should be asking God to reveal opportunities for us to serve our community. We should be praying that we become the change we want to see in America.

Prayer Points for the Week of April 08-13, 2012:

  • If you’ve not already done so, write out your Declaration of Prayer for America. If you’re not sure how to get started, visit “The First Prayer” posted on this blog.
  • According to the Congressional Budget Office, the government ran a deficit of $780 Billion in the first half of the fiscal year. That’s how much money was spent without the income to pay for it. We must pray for financial stewardship in America. Remember, “the borrower is the slave of the lender” (Proverbs 22:7 ESV)
  • Nearly 350 homes were destroyed and another 750 damaged when tornadoes swept through the Dallas,Texas area last week. Pray for the families who’ve lost their homes or need resources to repair the damage.
  • A Navy Jet crashed into an apartment complex outside Virginia Beach last Friday. Praise God that there were so few injuries and lift up the families who will need support.
  • Continue praying for Susan Rice who is representing America as the president of the U.N. Security Council for the month of April (a responsibility that rotates among member nations). Pray the United States is well represented in the political world of foreign relations.
  • President Obama signed a law banning Congress from participating in insider trading last week. Pray for continued moral reform in Washington and remember to pray daily for the President and his family.

Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is Attorney General Eric H. Holder:

Attorney General Eric Holder

Name: Eric H. Holder, Jr.
Birth date: January 21, 1951
Position: Attorney General
Duties Include: Authority over the Department of Justice, serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, Advising the President, representing the United States in legal matters, appearing before the Supreme Court.
Spouse: Dr. Sharon Malone
Children: The Attorney General has three sons living at home with him.You can learn more about Attorney General Holder and his duties by visiting the Department of Justice website. Remember to pray for the Mr. Holder and his family throughout this week.

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Praying Hands Photo Credit: Jasper Noer